St John’s Children’s Home

A separate home for pauper children was first proposed by Ipswich Union in around 1870. This was an unusual step for non-metropolitan unions at this time, and may have been the result of space shortage at the Great Whip Street workhouse. Plans were produced in 1871 and 1873 for a long building with a central block flanked by separate wings containing boys’ and girls’ accommodation. The building, eventually erected at Bloomfield Street in 1879, accommodated 80 boys and 50 girls. The boys were taught to work on the land, and in tailoring and shoe-making. The girls were taught needlework and other household skills to equip them for domestic service. A small infirmary was later added.

Benjamin’s father was Arthur Benjamin Cater, born 1859, Ipswich – died January 1901, at 8, Cecilia Street, Ipswich. A Pork Butcher.

His mother was Martha Cater, (nee Allen), born 1856, Whitton – died August 1896 at 1, Sedan Street, Ipswich.

IMMIGRATION

On the 18th April 1907, 16 year old, Benjamin, a Labourer, embarked on the S.S. ‘Ottawa’ of the Dominion Line, from the port of Liverpool. Commission paid from the C.G.E.A. He arrived on the 26th April 1907, at the port of Quebec, Canada. His final destination was Montreal.